Insider's Elite awards are set for a major change this year with the introduction of two new categories recognising the achievements of Scots outwith their home country.

Many key executives in businesses around the world are Scots born and educated and indeed the country has had a reputation for producing high calibre people for centuries.

But until now their achievements have not been recognised in their home country.

The new Elite International Executive of the Year will be awarded to a Scot who has made major achievements, particularly during the past 12 months, in his or her career outside of Scotland.

One example is Isle of Bute-born Adam Crozier who is chief executive of the Royal Mail, which recently announced it had made profits in all four of its units for the first time in 20 years.

Another is former ITV chairman Charles Allen who is now chairman of Global Radio, the largest commercial radio group in Britain.

We will also be launching a special award to recognise the contribution that Scots based outwith the country have made to the current and future prosperity of Scotland.

Despite not being based here, many of these individuals maintain close ties with Scotland and still make significant contributions to its economic growth.

For example, many work closely with Scotland's international networks, including the hugely influential GlobalScot network. This was set up by Scottish Enterprise to develop and expand Scotland's standing in the global business community by utilising the talents of leading Scots, and of people with an affinity for Scotland, to establish a worldwide network of individuals who are outstanding in their field.

Scottish companies draw on this network for advice, contacts, assistance and support.

This year's Elite Awards are being held at the Radisson Hotel in Glasgow on Wednesday October 7. As well as unveiling this year's winners the event will feature our Elite leadership lecture. Past speakers have included UK Government minister Sir Richard Needham and BBC world correspondent and author John Simpson.

Now that we have whetted your appetite it is time to ask readers to nominate contenders for the Insider readers award.

Last year's winner was Clyde Blowers chief executive and chairman Jim McColl, who has enjoyed an extraordinary career building up a major Scottish company and a number of spin offs.

All Insider readers are free to nominate for this award which recognises an individual - likely to be the inspiring leader of a company or public sector organisation - who has done exceptional things since our last awards in October 2008.

Nominations should be emailed to jmalloy@insider.co.uk with a statement of around 50 words ex-plaininwhy you think the person should be nominated.

Next month Insider will publish a list of the 700 people chosen as this year's Elite on our website. They will be asked to vote for the remaining awards which include Elite Leader, Businessman, Businesswoman, Public sector leader and Young Elite leader of the year as well as the two new international categories.

Tickets for the event - which is arguably the most prestigious on the Scottish business calendar - are now available and you can book your place using the form below.